Premature ejaculation rates and treatment needs in males aged 20 years and over attending urology outpatient clinic

Aim: The purpose of this study was the assessment of the rates of premature ejaculation and desires for treatment in male patients 20 years and over attending urology outpatient clinic. Methods: All subjects included in the study were asked whether they had a complaint of premature ejaculation; if so, whether they had sought a doctor's assistance; if not, why they had not; why they did not mention their complaint during the first visit; whether they desired treatment; and if not, why they did not. Results: A total of 1608 subjects were questioned. Premature ejaculation was present in 333 (20.7%). Premature ejaculation was the primary complaint of 33 of those attending the urology outpatient clinic. The most common reasons for not seeking a doctor's assistance were failure to see the condition as a problem, and embarrassment. Fifty four (16.2%) of these patients did not desire treatment. The most common reason for not desiring treatment was regarding it as unnecessary at present, and old age. Conclusion: The questioning of all men aged 20 and over attending urology outpatient clinic concerning premature ejaculation will greatly increase diagnoses and treatments. © 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.